TYPES OF CRIMES

Felony: Generally, a felony is any crime that is punishable by one or more years in prison. Boards of directors may declare vacant the office of any director who has been convicted of a felony. Corp. Code §7221(a)

Misdemeanor: Crimes that are regarded as less serious are referred to as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor usually is punishable by a fine, or by incarceration in a local jail for a period up to one year. Misdemeanor arrests can only be made for crimes which occur in the presence of the person making the arrest. Sometimes civilians are asked to make a "citizen's arrest" even after the police arrive to take the person into custody.

Infraction: Punished by a fine only. These consist of most traffic offenses, and some minor criminal offenses, such as trespassing and disturbing the peace.

Updated by ADAMS KESSLER 8/22/2008